CAUGHT PRAYING!!!!!!

I feel like teaching is getting "better." I think I mentioned a couple posts back that I wasn't sure why it feels different, but today I think I'm beginning to understand why. My love for teaching has grown so much! And what's more, my love and desire to teach these young kids has increased SOOOOO MUCH! As I think about the value of the gospel of Jesus Christ to our lives, looking into the eyes of my students and think about what kinds of things I wish I could go back and tell myself to prepare for, I feel a sense of urgency to do my best in everything from preparing "lessons" to identifying principles and doctrines within the scriptures to the closing prayer after each class.

Even still, I know that there are MORE things I can do to become a BETTER teacher.

I am most appreciative of the other teachers in the building and their example. There are things that I have learned from them that have helped me improve the way I teach, prepare, and even study! I learn from them every day. Just today in fact, as I was leaving, I walked by one of the teacher's office to talk with him about the day, but I had to stop at the entrance because the door was shut. As I looked through the small window in the door, I saw him there on his knees, praying. Needless to say, I just went about my way; leaving the conversation for another time.

It was such a simple thing, but it's not the first time I've almost walked in on one of them praying in their office. It causes me to reflect on a couple things. As Saint Francis Assisi exclaims:

"Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words." 

It also causes me to do some self evaluation. Am I going to my Father, in heaven, enough when I'm in need of help? Do I really trust that I can receive answers if I humble myself before Him and rely on the Atonement of His Son?

I know I can spend more time on my knees in prayer and supplication to God, the Eternal Father who hears and answers prayers TODAY as much as He has in any other time. As I have been striving to do just that, I have felt His hand guiding me in more than just teaching, but I am thankful that it has been a part of my life that He has seen fit to magnify more and more.